Dozens of riot police descended today into Bulawayo town centre to thwart a planned march in solidarity with beleaguered Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna.

Photos which emerged on the internet showed the place being surrounded by anti-riot police in armoured vehicles. The police had also deployed water tankers which were on standby to disperse people in case things escalate out of control

The ZRP riot squad surrounded the Joshua Nkomo statue at the Bulawayo CBD after news of the planned Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni Solidarity March emerged.